According to AOL, talks between David Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants and the WGA have fallen through. Letterman tried to create an independent deal with the writers not involving the network so his late night talk show could return with a writing staff (unlike other late night shows which will be returning without one).Without a deal in place, the odds of The Late Show with David Letterman returning to the air by their goal of January 2nd is in doubt. This could be a major problem for Letterman considering that his major competitor, Jay Leno, returns to late night on January 2nd.
I don't see this turn of events as catastrophic for Dave, since he's always been very good at improvisation. This situation could be the true test of those abilities. Improvising when the guest makes a funny remark is one thing. Improvising a whole show is another.Admittedly, I don't know all the details but I was pulling for Dave on this one. Since he represents an independent production company and not a studio, he seemed more like the little guy than the big guy. It is my belief that whether a deal is in place or not, Letterman will return to the air in January.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-23-2007 @ 11:17AM
Will said...
It's a little disingenuous to say that the deal "fell through."
Rob Burnett, the go-to guy at Worldwide Pants, said, "We had a substantive discussion today with the WGA and look forward to continuing these talks next week." A deal can't fall through 'til it's actually been made.
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12-23-2007 @ 11:38AM
Oreo said...
I would just tell the writers to screw off.
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12-23-2007 @ 11:57AM
Liam said...
@Oreo
probably a good thing that you have absolutely nothing to do with the situation then.
12-23-2007 @ 12:31PM
Hollywood Ron said...
There are hundreds of thousands of people who are funnier than your average Hollywood writer. Find some scabs, pay some stand-up comedians under the table, and you've got yourself a show.
12-24-2007 @ 12:09AM
Joey Geraci said...
The idiots are multiplying. Oreo, I suggest you don't comment about what you don't understand. Hollywood Ron, I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon of someone heading off a cliff.
12-24-2007 @ 2:15AM
Oreo said...
I understand it fine. The shows will return to the air with or without the writers. They should know that. So just screw the writers. This isn't 24 or something, he can do a show, most likely better, without his writers.
And just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean I don't understand the situation.
12-23-2007 @ 1:45PM
Jimmy said...
Letterman reruns are better than new Leno shows any (and every) day of the week.
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12-23-2007 @ 3:54PM
MJL said...
Will -
You're absolutely right. The AOL article is from two days ago when Burnett met with the WGA, and in no way does it suggest the deal "fell through." That's a pretty big conclusion to leap to, Brad...were you a long jumper in high school?
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